Traveling as a new parent can be challenging especially when you need to bring breast milk along. The numerous airport regulations can easily overwhelm you. However, knowing how to effectively manage break milk during travel can make things easier.
This article will guide you through navigating airport security, ensuring proper storage of your breast milk and the alternative options to consider.
Mastering these tips will ease your journey and you can create wonderful memories with your little one. Let’s dive into the details!
Can You Fly with Breast Milk?
Yes, you can fly with breast milk. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), breast milk is a medically necessary liquid allowed in carry-on baggage.
However, if you don’t have time to pump your breast milk at home before getting to the airport, don’t worry. Breast pumps are considered personal items, so, you can bring one along with you while traveling. That way, you can extract your breast milk while on air.
To get the best use of your wearable breast pump, ensure that you charge it well before your trip. You won’t have the luxury of doing that inside the airplane. Additionally, choosing a breast pump with an extended power supply can be helpful as it reduces the need for constant charging.
For instance, eufy’s breast pump has a portable and magnetic charging case that allows you to travel without hassle. Once charged, you’ll enjoy 5 days of power.
It also provides maximum comfort and a skin-like pumping experience that feels as gentle as your baby’s cheek.
The breast pump has a heating plate and a precision temperature sensor that delivers uniform warmth and enhances milk flow. So, with it, you’ll be less likely to feel uncomfortable while pumping even if you have sensitive breasts.
Understanding Breast Milk Travel Regulations
Although you can fly with breast milk, you still need to know the basic TSA regulations and considerations for international travel, as it can make traveling with breast milk a smoother and less stressful experience.
1. Quantity of Liquid
While most liquids like shampoo, lotion, or toothpaste can’t exceed 3.4 ounces and must fit into a quart-sized bag, breast milk is exempted.
The same goes for other baby food and liquid items like formula, and toddler drinks. You can even come with items to keep your breast milk cool, like ice packs, freezer packs, or gel packs. The best part? They are all permitted through security regardless of whether you have breast milk or not.
2. Security Checking Methods
Once the TSA officers start their general screening, inform them that you’re carrying breast milk. They will ask you to place the milk in a separate bin for X-ray screening. The same goes for your ice packs, gel packs, and other accessories to keep your breast milk cool.
The TSA X-ray machines won’t harm your baby's food but if you’re not comfortable with the screening, you can request an alternative. The officers will take additional steps to clear the liquids mostly through an Advanced Imaging Technology screening.
3. Storage and Handling
You should consider putting your breast milk in clear, translucent bottles rather than bags or pouches to speed up the screening process. Although TSA recommends this, you won’t be penalized if you decide to do otherwise. If you store your breast milk in bags or pouches, you can still get on your flight, but you might be asked to open them for other screenings.
For international travel, you might want to check in with the regulations of your destination country ahead of time to avoid any surprises.
Best Practices for Breast Milk Storing and Shipping while Traveling
Some of the best practices for storing breast milk when traveling include:
1. Use Insulated Coolers
Insulated coolers help to maintain a consistent temperature for your breast milk for extended periods. Considering that you’re traveling, it’s best to get a cooler that’s lightweight, easy to carry, and also has great reviews from other parents.
2. Pack Ice Packs
You’ll also need ice packs to keep the breast milk at a safe temperature, especially during long trips. If you can’t get that, try frozen breast milk storage bags. Ensure that you freeze the packs well in advance and pack your milk containers around them.
3. Store in Small Portions
Consider the time it took you to extract your milk, you don’t want to waste any portion. So, make sure that you store them in small, single-use portions like 2-4 ounces. Small portions thaw faster and more evenly.
4. Label Clearly and Monitor the temperature.
After packaging your breast milk into ice packs, you should label them with the date and time they were extracted. This way, you can use the oldest milk first and rotate the packs properly. Also, the required temperature for freshly expressed milk is 77°F or 25°C. This can last for up to four hours. However, if they are stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs, rest assured it’ll last up to 24 hours.
Overall, keep your breast milk storage supplies organized so that you can easily access them when needed.
Alternative Options for Traveling with Breast Milk
If you’re not comfortable traveling with breast milk, you can consider shipping it with Milk Stork, the world’s first breast milk shipping company. Whether you’re transporting fresh or frozen milk within your country or outside, the company gets it where it needs to go.
Another great option is to ship with carriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL. These carriers offer refrigerated shipping services for your breast milk. The good part is that they are widely available and can be used for both domestic and international shipments.
Both shipping services offer reliable tracking information keeping you up to date with where your milk is at any given point.
Conclusion
Traveling with breast milk doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Now that you know the TSA regulations and the best practices for storage and shipping, go ahead and plan your trip.
Alternatively, if you don’t want extra luggage and have a lot of milk to transport, consider shipping carriers like Milk Stork, DHL, UPS, and the rest. This allows you to focus on enjoying your travel and having a wonderful time with your little one, knowing that their feeding needs are taken care of.
I wish you safe travels!
FAQs
How long can breast milk stay fresh during travel?
When breast milk is stored and transported in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs, it can stay for up to 24 hours. On the other hand, you can freeze the milk with dry ice but make sure you follow the right safety precaution.
Can you carry breast milk on a plane?
Yes, breast milk, formula, toddler drinks, and other baby food can be carried in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on baggage. These items are exempt from the standard liquid restrictions and don’t need to be carried within a quart-sized bag.
What are the best containers for transporting breast milk on a plane?
When transporting breast milk on a plane, the best containers to use are glass or plastic screw-top bottles like those that normally come with breast pumps. However, make sure that the lids are tightly secured and pack the bottles well to avoid tipping or rolling around in your travel bag.